PISCATAWAY, N.J., USA, 14 February 2013 - IEEE, the world's largest professional organization advancing technology for humanity today announced details of its presence at this year's South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Interactive Festival, March 8-17 in Austin, Texas. IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA), in conjunction with the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is presenting the "Open Future Series", featuring World Wide Web inventor and W3C Director, Tim Berners-Lee. The series includes an array of conference sessions led by world-renowned speakers, and a public Meetup open to all SXSW badge holders. The IEEE-SA W3C Open Future Series highlights key technology advancements, evolving open web and open standards challenges, and technology's impact on both individuals and the world at large.

"With the rapid pace of technology innovation, what once was labeled disruptive is now not only commonplace but expected. We’ve reached an inflection point where fully realizing the benefits these technologies bring requires uncommon vision and enlightened stewardship on a global scale," said Karen Bartleson, president, IEEE-SA. "At SXSW, IEEE-SA and W3C are bringing together some of the world's foremost technologists and thinkers to explore the implications of today's world-changing technologies, and the vital role they will play in tomorrow’s more open, interconnected future."

The IEEE-SA and W3C Open Future Series opens the door to provocative dialog on emerging and evolving technologies with the potential to affect fundamental change. Solo, duo, and panel sessions will delve into technology advancements like the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, Augmented Reality (AR), social robotics, mobile development, and self-hacking. It will also address critical issues impacting OpenStand principles and Open Web Platform, such as policy and governmental regulation, copyright and infringement, disruptive technologies, and more. Detailed descriptions and event information for the following IEEE-SA and W3C SXSW events can be found at the IEEE-SA SXSW Web page:

Open Web Platform: Hopes & Fears – 9 March, 11:00am CST, Exhibit Hall 5, Austin Convention Center. Led by Tim Berners-Lee of W3C, this presentation offers an exploration of the future of the open web.

IEEE and W3C Open Future Meetup – 9 March, 3:30pm CST, Driskill Ballroom, Driskill Hotel. This meetup offers attendees opportunities to meet IEEE-SA and W3C Open Future Series speakers, as well as special guest, Tim Berners-Lee, and to hear more about OpenStand, Web Platform Docs, and open development from IEEE, W3C, and OpenStand experts. This event is open to all SXSW badge holders.

Hack You: The Human Body is the Next Interface – 11 March, 5:00pm CST, Creekside Room, Sheraton Austin. This presentation looks at innovative breakthroughs in "bodytech", its potential to transform the human body and psyche, communications, and society as a whole. Speakers are Andy Goodman and Ji-Hye Park of service design consultancy, Fjord.

"IEEE serves as a catalyst for the technology-driven change that continues to leave its indelible mark on both individuals and society as a whole. Our career-expanding networking and development opportunities provide technology innovators with a unique platform for creating and advancing the technologies of tomorrow," said Karen McCabe, senior director, strategy, marketing, and product development, IEEE-SA. "SXSW is the ideal backdrop for showcasing the unparalleled value and incredible work being done by organizations like IEEE and W3C."

OpenStand is a framework for establishing a global network of organizations, companies, and institutions dedicated to advancing efficient, effective open standardization processes, environment, and knowledge community. As founding members, IEEE and W3C have and continue to support OpenStand efforts and activities.

About the IEEE Standards Association
The IEEE Standards Association, a globally recognized standards-setting body within IEEE, develops consensus standards through an open process that engages industry and brings together a broad stakeholder community. IEEE standards set specifications and best practices based on current scientific and technological knowledge. The IEEE-SA has a portfolio of over 900 active standards and more than 500 standards under development. For more information visit the IEEE-SA Web site.

About IEEE
IEEE, a large, global technical professional organization, is dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice on a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics. Learn more at the IEEE Web site.